U.S. patent application number 10/899124 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-02 for double interlock, preaction residential dry sprinkler fire protection system with a releasing control panel.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tyco Fire Products LP. Invention is credited to James E. Golinveaux.
Application Number | 20060021762 10/899124 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35730852 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060021762 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Golinveaux; James E. |
February 2, 2006 |
Double interlock, preaction residential dry sprinkler fire
protection system with a releasing control panel
Abstract
A residential dwelling unit fire protection system for a
residential dwelling unit. The fire protection system includes a
pressurized liquid supply, a pressurized gas supply, a control
valve coupled to the liquid and gas supplies, a network of pipes
coupled to the control valve and the pressurized gas supply, a
pressure sensor, an alarm, a fire detection device, a releasing
control panel, and a quantity of residential fire sprinklers to
protect the residential dwelling unit. The control valve is
normally in a closed position and can be single or double
interlocked with other devices to prevent liquid flow through the
control valve. Each of the quantity of residential fire sprinklers
is coupled to the at least one pipe so that the control valve can
be pre-actuated by the releasing control panel based on at least
one of the pressure sensor or the fire detection device. Various
methods are also described.
Inventors: |
Golinveaux; James E.; (N.
Kingstown, RI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HELLER EHRMAN WHITE & MCAULIFFE LLP
1717 RHODE ISLAND AVE, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-3001
US
|
Assignee: |
Tyco Fire Products LP
|
Family ID: |
35730852 |
Appl. No.: |
10/899124 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
169/17 ; 169/16;
169/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62C 35/60 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
169/017 ;
169/016; 169/020 |
International
Class: |
A62C 35/00 20060101
A62C035/00 |
Claims
1. A residential dwelling unit fire protection system for a
residential dwelling unit having a plurality of compartments as
defined in the 2002 National Fire Protection Association Standards
13, 13D, and 13R, the fire protection system comprising: a
pressurized liquid supply; a pressurized gas supply; a control
valve coupled to the liquid and gas supplies, the control valve
being normally in a closed position when unactuated to prevent
liquid flow through the control valve; a network of pipes coupled
to the control valve and the pressurized gas supply, the network of
pipes including at least one pipe extending over each of the
compartments, the at least one pipe being filled generally with a
gas from the pressurized gas supply so that the at least one pipe
is dry; a quantity of residential fire sprinklers to protect the
residential dwelling unit, at least one of the quantity of
residential fire sprinklers being coupled to the at least one pipe;
a pressure sensor coupled to the at least one pipe to sense the
pressure of the gas in the at least one pipe, the pressure sensor
indicating when gas pressure in the at least one pipe or in the
network is below a predetermined threshold; a fire detection device
disposed proximate the residential dwelling unit to detect a fire
in the dwelling unit and output a signal of the fire; an alarm
device configured to indicate a fire proximate the dwelling unit or
a fault in the system; and a releasing control panel coupled to the
pressure sensor and the fire detection device so that the releasing
control panel actuates the alarm device to indicate a fault in the
system when the pressure sensor detects gas pressure in the at
least one pipe or the network is below a predetermined threshold
without detection of a fire, and actuates the control valve to an
open position upon a receipt of output signals from the fire
detection device and pressure sensor.
2. The fire protection system of claim 1, wherein the quantity of
residential fire sprinklers is determined based on a hydraulic
demand calculation of all residential fire sprinklers up to four
residential fire sprinklers within a compartment of the residential
dwelling unit for a wet pipe fire sprinkler system.
3. The fire protection system of claim 2, wherein the liquid is
delivered to the at least one of the residential fire sprinklers
within a first time period that elapses from the actuation of the
at least one residential fire sprinkler of about 10 seconds.
4. The fire protection system of claim 2, wherein the first time
period comprises about 15 seconds.
5. The fire protection system of claim 2, wherein the residential
fire sprinkler comprises a residential pendant type fire sprinkler
having a rated K-factor of at least nominally 4.
6. The fire protection system of claim 5, wherein the residential
fire sprinkler comprises a residential sidewall sprinkler having a
rated K-factor of at least nominally 4.
7. The fire protection system of claim 6, wherein the control valve
comprises a solenoid actuated valve having an inlet and an outlet
coupled respectively to the liquid supply and the network of pipes,
the solenoid valve being actuated upon a receipt of output signals
from the fire detection device and pressure sensor prior to the
actuation of at least one residential fire sprinkler.
8. The fire protection system of claim 7, wherein the solenoid
actuated valve comprises an solenoid actuated valve having an inlet
and an outlet, each with an opening of less than two inches in
diameter.
9. The fire protection system of claim 8, wherein the predetermined
density comprises a density of at least 0.1 gallons per minute per
square feet.
10. The fire protection system of claim 9, wherein the
predetermined density comprises at least 0.05 gallons per minute
per square feet.
11. A method of operating a residential fire protection system in a
residential dwelling unit having a plurality of compartments as
defined in the 2002 National Fire Protection Association Standards
13, 13D, and 13R, the system including a pressurized liquid supply,
a pressurized gas supply, a control valve coupled to the liquid and
gas supplies and normally closed to prevent liquid flow through the
control valve, and a network of pipes coupled to the control valve
and the pressurized gas supply, the network of pipes including at
least one pipe extending over each of the compartments, the at
least one pipe being filled generally with a gas from the
pressurized gas supply so that the at least one pipe is dry, and a
quantity of residential fire sprinklers based on a hydraulic demand
calculation of all residential fire sprinklers up to four
residential fire sprinklers within a compartment of the residential
dwelling unit, the method comprising: sensing a reduction of gas
pressure in the at least one pipe or network of pipes; indicating a
fault in the fire system when the gas pressure in the network of
pipes is below a threshold value in the absence of a fire proximate
the residential dwelling unit; sensing a fire proximate the
residential dwelling unit; flowing liquid from the liquid supply
via the control valve through the network pipes to the at least one
residential fire sprinkler for distribution over a protection area
in a compartment of the residential dwelling unit when a fire and a
reduction in gas pressure are sensed; and indicating a flow of
liquid from the control valve through the network of pipes.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the indicating a flow comprises
signaling the occurrence of a fire.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the flowing comprises flowing
liquid prior to the actuation of any residential fire
sprinkler.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the flowing comprises
delivering liquid to the at least one residential fire sprinkler
within a time period that elapses from the actuation of the at
least one residential fire sprinkler.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the time period comprises a
time period of about 10 seconds or about 15 seconds.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the flowing comprises
delivering a flow of water in gallons per minute selected from a
group of flow rates consisting of 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,
21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 gallons per minute.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the flowing comprises
delivering a density of at least 0.1 gallons per minute per square
feet.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the flowing comprises
delivering a density of at least 0.05 gallons per minute per square
feet.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one type of
residential fire sprinklers comprises a residential fire sprinkler
selected from a group consisting of one of a pendent or
flush-pendent residential fire sprinkler having a rated K-factor of
5, a sidewall residential fire sprinkler having a rated K-factor of
4, and combinations thereof.
20. A method of designing a dry pipe residential fire protection
system in a residential dwelling unit having a plurality of
compartments as defined in the 2002 National Fire Protection
Association Standards 13, 13D, and 13R, the method comprising:
determining a quantity of residential fire sprinklers based on a
hydraulic demand calculation of all residential fire sprinklers up
to four residential fire sprinklers within a compartment of the
residential dwelling unit; specifying the quantity and location of
residential fire sprinklers, as determined, in a residential fire
sprinkler piping system filled with a gas to protect the plurality
of compartments for installation accordance with NFPA 13D and 13R,
the system including: (a) a liquid supply source; (b) a gas supply
source; (c) a control valve coupled to the liquid supply and
configured in a normally closed position to prevent liquid flow
through the control valve; (d) a network of pipes coupled to the
control valve and the pressurized gas supply, the network of pipes
including at least one pipe extending over each of the
compartments, the at least one pipe being filled generally with a
gas from the pressurized gas supply so that the at least one pipe
is dry; (e) a pressure sensor coupled to the network of pipes to
sense gas pressure in the network of pipes; (f) a fire detection
device disposed proximate the dwelling unit to detect a fire; (g)
an alarm device; (h) a releasing control panel to actuate the
control valve to an open position that permits liquid to flow
through the control valve to the network of pipes and the
residential fire sprinklers, the releasing control panel being
coupled to the alarm device, pressure sensor, and the fire
detection device; and specifying the releasing control panel to
activate the alarm to indicate a fault in the system when the
pressure sensor senses gas pressure below a threshold value in the
absence of a detection of a fire by the fire detection device and
activates the alarm and control valve to an open position upon a
receipt of output signals from the fire detection device and
pressure sensor.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the determining comprises:
defining a magnitude of pressure and flow rate of a fluid supply
source in a wet pipe fire sprinkler system; and selecting
residential sprinklers at a rated K-factor appropriate for the
pressure and flow rate of the fluid supply source in the wet pipe
fire sprinkler system.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein specifying of the quantity
comprises calculating the hydraulic flow rate of the selected
residential fire sprinkler from the fluid supply source to the
selected residential fire sprinkler to determine whether the
selected fire sprinkler, up to a maximum of two, within a
compartment of the residential dwelling unit, requires the highest
hydraulic flow rate.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein specifying of the quantity
comprises calculating the hydraulic flow rate of the selected
residential fire sprinkler from the fluid supply source to the
selected residential fire sprinkler to determine whether the
selected fire sprinkler, up to a maximum of four, within a
compartment of the residential dwelling unit, requires the highest
hydraulic flow rate.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein the specifying of the quantity
comprises selecting residential fire sprinklers at a nominal rated
K-factor selected from a group of rated K-factors consisting of
3.0, 3.9, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.7, 4.9, 5.5, and 5.6.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the flow of water comprises a
flow of water in gallons per minute selected from a group of flow
rates consisting of 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25,
26, 27, and 28 gallons per minute.
26. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one type of
residential fire sprinklers comprises a residential fire sprinkler
selected from a group consisting of one of a pendent or
flush-pendent residential fire sprinkler having a rated K-factor of
5, a sidewall residential fire sprinkler having a rated K-factor of
4, and combinations thereof.
27. The method of claim 22, wherein the calculating comprises
providing a density of at least 0.1 gallons per minute per square
feet.
28. The method of claim 23, wherein the calculating comprises
providing a density of at least 0.05 gallons per minute per square
feet to each of the quantity of residential fire sprinklers.
29. The method of claim 20, wherein the specifying comprises
indicating that the alarm and control valve are actuated upon a
receipt of output signals from the fire detection device and
pressure sensor prior to actuation of the at least one residential
fire sprinkler.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] An automatic sprinkler system is one of the most widely used
devices for fire protection. These systems have sprinklers that are
activated once the ambient temperature in an environment, such as a
room or a building, exceeds a predetermined value. Once activated,
the sprinklers distribute fire-extinguishing fluid, preferably
water, in the room or building. A sprinkler system, depending on
its specified configuration is considered effective if it controls
or suppresses a fire. Failures of such systems may occur when the
system has been rendered inoperative during building alteration or
disuse, or the occupancy hazard has been increased beyond initial
system capability.
[0002] The sprinkler system can be provided with a water supply
(e.g., a reservoir or a municipal water supply). Such supply may be
separate from that used by a fire department. Regardless of the
type of supply, the sprinkler system is provided with a main that
enters the building to supply a riser. Connected at the riser are
valves, meters, and, preferably, an alarm to sound when water flow
within the system exceeds a predetermined minimum. At the top of a
vertical riser, a horizontally disposed array of pipes extends
throughout the fire compartment in the building. Other risers may
feed distribution networks to systems in adjacent fire
compartments. Compartmentalization can divide a large building
horizontally, on a single floor, and vertically, floor to floor.
Thus, several sprinkler systems may serve one building.
[0003] In a piping distribution network, branch lines carry the
sprinklers. A sprinkler may extend up from a branch line, placing
the sprinkler relatively close to the ceiling, or a sprinkler can
be pendent below the branch line. For use with concealed piping, a
flush-mounted pendant sprinkler may extend only slightly below the
ceiling.
[0004] The sprinkler system can be provided in various
configurations. In a wet-pipe system, used for example, in
buildings having heated spaces for piping branch lines, all the
system pipes contain a fire-fighting liquid, such as, water for
immediate release through any sprinkler that is activated. In a
dry-pipe system, used for example, in unheated open areas, cold
rooms, passageways, or other areas exposed to freezing, such as
unheated buildings in freezing climates or for cold-storage rooms,
the pipes, risers, and feed mains, disposed, branch lines and other
distribution pipes of the fire protection system may contain a dry
gas (air or nitrogen or mixtures thereof) under pressure. A valve
is sued to separate the pipes that contain a dry gas and pipes that
contain a fire-fighting liquid, such as, water. In some
application, the pressure of gas holds closed a dry pipe valve at
the riser. When heat from a fire activates a sprinkler, the gas
escapes and the dry-pipe valve trips; water enters branch lines;
and fire fighting begins as the sprinkler distributes the water. By
its nature, a dry sprinkler system is slower to respond to fire
conditions than a wet system because the dry gas must first be
exhausted from the system before the fire-fighting liquid is
expelled from the fire sprinkler. Such delay creates a "water
delivery time" to the sprinkler. The water delivery time introduces
an additional variable for consideration in a design for fire
protection with a dry pipe system.
[0005] Various standards exist for the design and installation of a
fire protection system. In particular, the National Fire Protection
Association ("NFPA") describes, in its Standard for the
Installation of Sprinkler Systems 13 (2002) ("the NFPA Standard
13") various design consideration and installation parameters for a
fire protection system, which standard is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. One of many design considerations
provided by NFPA Standard 13 is the number of fire sprinklers to be
used in a fire protection system. For a wet system, the NFPA
Standard 13 describes at A.14.4.4 that a quantity of fire
sprinklers can be determined either by a design area calculation or
by a specified minimum quantity of sprinklers.
[0006] NFPA Standard 13 also addresses certain design
considerations for dry pipe fire protection systems by modifying
the design of the wet pipe system. For example, in a dry pipe
system, NFPA Standard 13 states, for commercial storage (NFPA
Standard 13, 12.1.6.1) and dry pipe system generally (NFPA Standard
13, 14.4.4.4.2), that a design area for a dry pipe system is to be
increased 30% over the design area for the wet system in such
applications so that the minimum quantity of fire sprinklers for a
dry pipe system is increased by generally 30% over the same
quantity of fire sprinklers in a wet system. Where Large-Drop
Sprinklers are utilized in commercial fire protection, NFPA shows
(at Table 12.3.2.2.1(b) and 12.3.4.2.1) that an increased in the
specified number of sprinklers is (e.g., 50% or more) is required
when a dry pipe system is utilized instead of a wet pipe for these
sprinklers. When a commercial fire sprinkler is used with a dry
pipe instead of a wet pipe system in dwelling applications, the
design area must be increased by 30% so that the number of these
sprinklers must be increased, and thus, the hydraulic demand is
increased. It is apparent from NFPA Standard 13 that, holding all
other design parameters constant, the use of a dry pipe system
instead of a wet pipe system would require a relatively large
increase in the number of fire sprinklers, which would increase the
hydraulic demand of the dry pipe system.
[0007] Although NFPA Standard 13 refers in broad terms to wet pipe
and dry pipe systems, NFPA Standard 13 is generally silent as to
design and installation criteria for dry pipe residential sprinkler
systems. For example, NFPA Standard 13 fails to specify any
criteria in a design of a dry pipe residential fire sprinkler
system, including a hydraulic demand calculation, the quantity of
residential fire sprinklers consonant with the hydraulic demand
calculation or installation constraints and use of residential fire
sprinklers in a dry pipe fire protection system. In fact, NFPA
Standard 13 (2002) specifically prohibits residential fire
sprinklers from being used in any system other than wet unless the
residential fire sprinklers are listed for such other applications,
as stated in NFPA Standard 13 at 8.4.5.2: [0008] [R]esidential
sprinklers shall be used only in wet systems unless specifically
listed for use in dry pipe systems or preaction systems. (Emphasis
Added).
[0009] NFPA provides separate standards for design and installation
of wet pipe fire protection system in residential occupancies.
Starting in 1975, NFPA provides the Standard for the Installation
of Sprinkler Systems in One-And Two-Family Dwellings and
Manufactured Homes 13D ("NFPA Standard 13D"). Due in part to the
increasingly urbanized nature of cities, NFPA promulgated, in 1989,
another standard in recognition of low-rise residential facilities,
entitled Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in
Residential Occupancies Up to And Including Four Stories in Height
13R ("NFPA Standard 13R"). The latest respective editions of NFPA
Standard 13D and 13R are the 2002 Edition of NFPA Standard 13 and
13R, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
Starting in 1988, Underwriters Laboratory ("UL") provides for
additional requirements that residential fire sprinklers must meet
for residential fire protection systems as set forth in its
Underwriter's Laboratory Residential fire sprinklers for
Fire-Protection Service 1626 ("UL Standard 1626"). The most recent
edition of UL Standard 1626 is the October 2003 edition, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0010] NFPA and UL provide similar water density requirement for
residential fire protection systems. NFPA Standard 13 (2002) states
(Chap 11.2.3.5.2) that a density for a protection area of a
residential occupancy with a generally flat ceiling as the greater
of (a) 0.1 gallons per minute per square feet of the four most
hydraulically demanding sprinkler over a design area or (b) a
listed residential minimum density. The listed residential minimum
density can be found in either NFPA Standard 13D or 13R (2020).
NFPA Standard 13D (2002) states (Chapter 8.1.1.2.2 and 8.1.2) that
fire sprinklers listed for residential use shall have minimum
discharge density of 0.05 gallons per minute per square feet to the
design sprinklers, where the number of design sprinklers includes
all of the sprinklers, up to a maximum of two, that requires the
greatest hydraulic demand, within a compartment that has generally
flat and smooth ceiling. NFPA Standard 13R (2002) states (Chapter
6.7.1.1.2.2. and 6.7.1.2) that fire sprinklers listed for
residential use shall have minimum discharge density of 0.05
gallons per minute per square feet to the design sprinklers, where
the number of design sprinklers includes all of the sprinklers, up
to a maximum of four, that requires the greatest hydraulic demand,
within a compartment that has generally flat and smooth ceiling. UL
Standard 1626 (October 2003), on the other hand, states (at Table
6.1) that the density for a coverage area with a generally flat
ceiling as 0.05 gallons per minute per square feet minimum.
[0011] Although NFPA Standards 13R and 13D provide considerable
flexibility in the design and installation of wet pipe residential
fire protection system, these standards are strict in prohibiting
any existing residential fire sprinklers that are approved for use
in a wet pipe residential system from being used in any application
other than a wet system. In particular, both NFPA Standard 13R and
13D (2002) reiterate the stricture stated NFPA Standard 13 (2002),
which prohibits the use of residential sprinklers for systems other
than wet pipe by stating, at paragraphs 6.6.7.1.2 and 7.5.2,
respectively, that: [0012] [R]esidential sprinklers shall not be
used on systems other than wet pipe systems unless specifically
listed for use on that particular type of system. (Emphasis
Added).
[0013] While these standards may have considered a residential
piping system other than a wet pipe system, e.g., a dry pipe
residential system, the standards do not provide any indication of
how to determine a hydraulic demand as part of a design of such
systems. Furthermore, because of the guidelines in the standards
regarding the use of dry pipe instead of wet pipe, those desiring
to use a dry pipe sprinkler system in non-residential applications
would normally increase the hydraulic demand of the dry pipe system
over that of the wet pipe system, either by an increase in the
design area or the number of sprinklers based on the wet pipe
system. Currently, it is believed that no residential fire
sprinkler is approved for a dry pipe system in residential
applications. Thus, design methodologies and installation
requirements for applications other than wet pipe fire sprinkler
systems in residential applications are believed to be notably
lacking.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention provides, in one aspect, a residential
dwelling unit fire protection system for a residential dwelling
unit. The residential dwelling unit has a plurality of compartments
as defined in the 2002 National Fire Protection Association
Standards 13, 13D, and 13R. The fire protection system includes a
pressurized liquid supply, a pressurized gas supply, a control
valve coupled to the liquid and gas supplies, a network of pipes
coupled to the control valve with at least one pipe, a quantity of
residential fire sprinklers, a pressure sensor coupled to the at
least one pipe to sense the pressure of the gas in the at least one
pipe, a fire detection device disposed proximate the residential
dwelling unit, and a releasing control panel coupled to the
pressure sensor and the fire detection device. The alarm device is
configured to indicate a fire or fault in the system. At least one
of the quantity of residential fire sprinklers being coupled to the
at least one pipe. The control valve is normally in a closed
position when unactuated to prevent liquid flow through the control
valve. The network of pipes includes at least one pipe extending
over each of the compartments. The at least one pipe is filled
generally with a gas from the pressurized gas supply so that the at
least one pipe is dry. The pressure sensor provides a signal to
indicate when gas pressure in the at least one pipe or the network
of pipes is below a predetermined threshold. The fire detection
device detects a fire in the dwelling unit and outputs a signal of
the fire. The releasing control panel is coupled to the pressure
sensor and the fire detection device so that the releasing control
panel actuates the alarm device to indicate a fault in the system
when the pressure sensor detects gas pressure in the at least one
pipe or the network is below a predetermined threshold without a
receipt of the signal provided by the fire detection device. The
releasing control panel also actuates the control valve to an open
position upon a receipt of output signals from the fire detection
device and pressure sensor.
[0015] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of
operating a residential fire protection system in a residential
dwelling unit is provided. The residential dwelling unit has a
plurality of compartments as defined in the 2002 National Fire
Protection Association Standards 13, 13D, and 13R. The residential
fire protection system includes a pressurized liquid supply, a
pressurized gas supply, a control valve coupled to the liquid and
gas supplies and normally closed to prevent liquid flow through the
control valve, a network of pipes coupled to the control valve and
the pressurized gas supply, and a quantity of residential fire
sprinklers based on a hydraulic demand calculation of all
residential fire sprinklers up to four residential fire sprinklers
within each compartment of the residential dwelling unit. The
network of pipes includes at least one pipe extending over each of
the compartments. The at least one pipe is filled generally with a
gas from the pressurized gas supply so that the at least one pipe
is dry. The method can be achieved by sensing a reduction of gas
pressure in the at least one pipe or network of pipes; indicating a
fault in the fire system when the gas pressure in the network of
pipes is below a threshold value in the absence of a fire proximate
the residential dwelling unit; sensing a fire proximate the
residential dwelling unit; flowing liquid from the liquid supply
via the control valve through the network pipes to the at least one
residential fire sprinkler for distribution over a protection area
in a compartment of the residential dwelling unit when a fire and a
reduction in gas pressure are sensed; and indicating a flow of
liquid from the control valve through the network of pipes.
[0016] In yet a further aspect of the present invention, a method
of designing a dry pipe residential fire protection system in a
residential dwelling unit is provided. The residential dwelling
unit has a plurality of compartments as defined in the 2002
National Fire Protection Association Standards 13, 13D, and 13R.
The system includes a liquid supply source, a gas supply source, a
control valve, a network of pipes, a pressure sensor coupled to the
network of pipes to sense gas pressure in the network of pipes, a
fire detection device disposed proximate the dwelling unit to
detect a fire, an alarm device, and a releasing control panel to
actuate the control valve to an open position that permits liquid
to flow through the control valve to the network of pipes and the
residential fire sprinklers. The releasing control panel is coupled
to the alarm device, pressure sensor, and the fire detection
device. The control valve is coupled to the liquid supply and
configured in a normally closed position to prevent liquid flow
through the control valve. The network of pipes is coupled to the
control valve and the pressurized gas supply and includes at least
one pipe that extends over each of the compartments. The at least
one pipe is filled generally with a gas from the pressurized gas
supply so that the at least one pipe is dry. The method can be
achieved by: determining a quantity of residential fire sprinklers
based on a hydraulic demand calculation of all residential fire
sprinklers up to four residential fire sprinklers within a
compartment of the residential dwelling unit; specifying the
quantity and location of residential fire sprinklers, as
determined, in a residential fire sprinkler piping system filled
with a gas to protect the plurality of compartments for
installation accordance with NFPA 13D and 13R; and specifying the
releasing control panel to activate the alarm to indicate a fault
in the system when the pressure sensor senses gas pressure below a
threshold value in the absence of a detection of a fire by the fire
detection device and activates the alarm and control valve to an
open position upon a receipt of output signals from the fire
detection device and pressure sensor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary
embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general
description given above and the detailed description given below,
serve to explain the features of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a residential sprinkler
system with vertically-oriented and horizontally-oriented
sprinklers according to a preferred embodiment.
[0019] FIGS. 1B and 1C illustrate respectively a pendent and
sidewall sprinklers of FIG. 1A.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically the layout of the
residential fire protection system of FIG. 1A.
[0021] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a preferred communication medium
for the preferred wet or dry sprinkler design methodology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the preferred embodiments. In
particular, FIG. 1A shows a residential dwelling unit R. As used
herein, the term "residential" is a "dwelling unit" as defined in
NFPA Standard 13D, 13R (2002), which can include commercial
dwelling units (e.g., rental apartments, lodging and rooming
houses, board and care facilities, hospitals, motels or hotels) to
indicate one or more rooms, arranged for the use of individuals
living together, as in a single housekeeping unit, that normally
have cooking, living, sanitary, and sleeping facilities. The
residential dwelling unit normally includes a plurality of
compartments as defined in NFPA Standards 13, 13D, and 13R, where
generally each compartment is a space that is enclosed by walls and
ceiling. The standards relating to residential fire protection,
including 2002 Standards 13, 13D, and 13R, as promulgated by the
National Fire Protection Association ("NFPA Standard 13 (2002)",
"NFPA Standard 13D (2002)", "NFPA Standard 13R (2002)") and
Underwriter's Laboratory Residential fire sprinklers for
Fire-Protection Service 1626 (October 2003) ("UL Standard 1626
(October 2003)"), are incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
[0023] In the residential dwelling unit R of FIG. 1A, an exemplary
dry fire protection system can be provided for a plurality of
protection areas, including sub-divided protection areas, i.e.,
compartments to be protected within the residential unit R. For
example, in protection area A with length L and width W, a dry fire
protection system can include a supply 10 of pressurized liquid
such as a suitable liquid supply 10, located proximate the dwelling
unit R. A network of pipes 100 is coupled to the liquid supply 10
by preferably a single supply control valve 20 that can be used to
shut off liquid to both a domestic water system for the occupants
via pipe 14 and for the fire protection system via pipe 18 for the
residential dwelling unit R. A back-flow check valve 13 can be
provided upstream of the supply control valve 20 so as to prevent
contamination of the water supply. The supply control valve 20 can
be coupled to a suitable dry pipe valve 30 (or other control
valves) disposed between the supply control valve 20 and the piping
network. A test and drain line 16 can be provided downstream of the
supply control valve 20.
[0024] The liquid supply 10 can include a municipal water supply,
an elevated liquid or pressurized-liquid tank, or a water storage
with a water pump, which can provide a demand for a fire protection
system for a suitable period, such as, for example, 10 to 30
minutes without any provisions that would prevent the use of
domestic water flow by the occupants. Where a water system is
designed to serve both the needs of the occupants of the dwelling
unit and the fire protection system, the water system should: (1)
account for water demand of more than five gallons per minute to
multiple dwelling units when no provision is made to prevent the
flow of the domestic water supply upon actuation of the residential
fire sprinkler system; (2) include smoke or fire detector; (3)
include listed or approved piping for the sprinkler system; (4)
approved or permitted by local governmental authority; (5) include
warning that a residential fire sprinkler system is coupled to the
domestic system; and (6) not add flow restriction device such as
water filter to the system.
[0025] The network of pipes can include a riser 18 coupled to a
main pipe 22. The main pipe 22 can be couple to a plurality of
branch pipes 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e . . . 22n extending over each
of the sub-divided areas. The main pipe 22 and branch pipes 22a,
22b, 22c . . . 22n can be filled generally with a suitable gas
(e.g., air or nitrogen or mixtures thereof) so that the pipes are
"dry." A pressure gauge 24 can be installed in the piping network
100 to provide an indication of the system pressure. The branch
pipes 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e . . . 22n (where n=a suitable number
of branch pipes) are coupled to a quantity of residential fire
sprinklers 40A, 40B, 40C located adjacent each of the sub-divided
areas.
[0026] Depending on the system design, the residential fire
sprinklers can be vertically-oriented type fire residential fire
sprinklers that are approved for dry residential applications. The
vertically oriented type residential fire sprinklers can include,
for example, pendent sprinkler 40A, upright sprinkler 40B, flush,
or concealed pendent residential fire sprinklers. The residential
fire sprinklers can be horizontally-oriented residential fire
sprinklers that are approved for dry residential applications. The
horizontally-oriented type residential fire sprinklers can include
for example, sidewall sprinkler 40C, flush or concealed sidewall
residential fire sprinklers.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1B, the pendent type residential fire
sprinkler 40A of the dry pipe network of FIG. 1A is shown in
further detail. In particular, the sprinkler 40A includes a body
42A defining a passageway 42B between an inlet opening 42C and an
outlet opening 42D along a longitudinal axis A-A oriented generally
perpendicular to the protection area A. The body 42A is coupled to
a dry pipe system so that the passageway 42B is filled with a dry
gas or air. The passageway 42B has a rated K-factor, where the
rated K-factor equals the flow of water in gallons per minute
through the passageway divided by the square root of the pressure
of water fed to the body in pounds per square inch gauge
(GPMI(psig).sup.1/2). The rated K-factor can include, but is not
limited to, any one of nominally 3.0, 3.9, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.7,
4.9, 5.5, or 5.6 K-factor. The body 42A has at least one frame arm
42E coupled to the body 42A proximate the outlet opening 42D. A
closure 42F can be positioned proximate the outlet opening 42D so
as to occlude the passageway 42B. A heat responsive trigger 42G can
be provided to retain the closure 42F so as to close the
passageway. A deflector 42H can be coupled with the body through at
least one frame arm 42E and nosepiece 42I so that the deflector 42H
is spaced from and generally aligned with the outlet opening and
the longitudinal axis A-A. The upright residential sprinkler 40B
can include many similar components as the residential pendent
sprinkler 40A and therefore has not been described to maintain
brevity in this description. When the heat responsive trigger 42G
is actuated, the closure 42F is positioned to allow the dry gas to
be expelled from the dry pipes and the passageway 42B and for a
flow of water to fill the previously-dry pipes and issue from the
outlet opening 42D along axis A-A. The flow of water through the
body 42A can include various flow rates, such as, for example,
about 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, or 24 gallons per minute. The flow of
water or a fire-fighting liquid through the dry pipe system is
distributed over the protection area by the deflector so that the
sprinkler by itself, or in conjunction with other sprinklers,
protects the area of the residential dwelling unit.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1C, the sidewall residential sprinkler 40C
of the dry pipe system of FIG. 1A is shown in further detail. In
particular, the sprinkler 40C includes a body 44A defining a
passageway 44B between an inlet opening 44C and an outlet opening
44D along a horizontal axis B-B oriented generally parallel to the
protection area A. The passageway 44B has a rated K-factor, where
the rated K-factor equals the flow of water in gallons per minute
through the passageway divided by the square root of the pressure
of water fed to the body in pounds per square inch gauge
(GPM/(psig).sup.1/2). The rated K-factor can include, but is not
limited to, any one of nominally 4 or 5 K-factor. The body 44A has
at least one frame arm 44E coupled to the body 44A proximate the
outlet opening 44D. A closure 44F can be positioned proximate the
outlet opening 44D so as to occlude the passageway 44B. A heat
responsive trigger 44G can be provided to retain the closure 44F so
as to close the passageway. A deflector 44H can be coupled with the
body through at least one frame arm 44E and nosepiece 44I so that
the deflector 44H is spaced from and generally aligned with the
outlet opening and the longitudinal axis A-A. When the heat
responsive trigger 44G is actuated, the closure 44F is positioned
to allow the dry gas to be expelled from the dry pipes and the
passageway 44B and for a flow of water to fill the previously-dry
pipes and issue from the outlet opening 44D along axis B-B. The
flow of water through the body 44A can include various flow rates,
such as, for example, about 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23,
24, 25, 26, 27, or 28 gallons per minute. The flow of water or a
fire-fighting liquid through the dry pipe system is distributed
over the protection area by the deflector so that the sprinkler by
itself, or in conjunction with other sprinklers, protects the area
of the residential dwelling unit. Thus, the means for distributing
the fire-fighting liquid over a protection area of a residential
dwelling unit can be any particular structures of the residential
sidewall sprinkler 40B, which in the preferred embodiments include
at least the deflector 44H.
[0029] Although no residential fire sprinklers have been approved
for residential use with a piping network filled with a gas (i.e.,
"dry") instead of a network filled with liquid (i.e., "wet"),
applicant has discovered that residential fire sprinklers, which
were approved for use only in wet pipe residential fire protection
system, would meet the approval requirements of NFPA Standard 13
(2002), 13D (2002) and 13R (2002) and UL Standard 1626 (October
2003). This discovery has allowed a residential fire sprinkler
system with a dry pipe network to be designed by determining a
quantity and location of residential fire sprinklers required to
determine a hydraulic demand calculation of the residential fire
sprinklers. Applicant has discovered that, for certain applications
in accordance with NFPA 13, 13D, and 13R, the quantity and location
of residential fire sprinklers in a piping network filled with a
fire-fighting liquid can be used to determine a hydraulic demand of
residential fire sprinklers coupled to a piping network filled with
a gas.
[0030] In particular, referring to FIG. 1A, the quantity and
location of residential fire sprinklers for a residential dwelling
unit can be determined based on a hydraulic demand of the most
hydraulically remote fire sprinkler within a compartment of the
residential dwelling unit. Where the residential dwelling unit can
be classified as a one or two-family dwelling unit, as defined in
NFPA Standard 13D (2002), the hydraulic demand of a system for the
dwelling unit can be determined by assessing a hydraulic demand of
a residential fire sprinkler, up to two sprinklers, for a design
area of each compartment while taking into account any obstructions
on the walls or ceiling. Specifically, for each compartment, one or
more residential fire sprinklers (as approved by an authority
having jurisdiction over fire protection design to provide
sufficient liquid density) can be selected. The selected
residential fire sprinklers, i.e., design sprinkler, in the
selected compartment can be used to determine if the design
sprinklers, up to two sprinklers, located at specified locations
within any one of selected compartments, have the highest hydraulic
demand of a wet pipe fire protection system for the residential
dwelling unit. For each compartment, the hydraulic demand is
calculated based on the location of the design sprinklers from the
liquid supply source to the wet pipe network for, in some cases,
all of the compartments. From the calculated hydraulic demand of
some or all the compartments, the highest hydraulic demand for a
particular compartment of the residential dwelling unit can be
determined. This highest hydraulic demand is then compared with an
actual liquid flow rate and pressure of the liquid supply. Where
the highest hydraulic demand can be met by the actual liquid supply
for the residential dwelling unit, the number of fire sprinklers is
the sum of all the design sprinklers within the residential
dwelling unit in the design of a dry pipe residential fire
protection system of the dwelling unit. Thereafter, the design can
be implemented, at a minimum, in accordance with installation
guidelines set forth in NFPA Standard 13D (2002).
[0031] Where the residential dwelling unit can be classified as a
residential dwelling unit up to and including four stories in
height, as defined in NFPA Standard 13R (2002), the hydraulic
demand of a system for the dwelling unit can be determined by
assessing a hydraulic demand of a residential fire sprinkler, up to
two sprinklers, for a design area of each compartment while taking
into account any obstructions on the walls or ceiling.
Specifically, for each compartment, one or more residential fire
sprinklers (as approved by an authority having jurisdiction over
fire protection design to provide sufficient liquid density) can be
selected. The selected residential fire sprinklers, i.e., design
sprinkler, in the selected compartment can be used to determine if
the design sprinklers, up to four residential fire sprinklers,
located at specified locations within any one of selected
compartments, have the highest hydraulic demand of the fire
protection system for the residential dwelling unit. For each
compartment, the hydraulic demand is calculated based on the
location of the design sprinklers from the liquid supply source to
the wet pipe network for, in some cases, all of the compartments.
From the calculated hydraulic demand of some or all the
compartments, the highest hydraulic demand for a particular
compartment of the residential dwelling unit can be determined.
This highest hydraulic demand is then compared with an actual
liquid flow rate and pressure of the liquid supply. Where the
highest hydraulic demand of the residential dwelling unit can be
met by the actual liquid supply for the residential dwelling unit,
the number of fire sprinklers is the sum of all the design
sprinklers within the residential dwelling unit in the design of a
dry pipe residential fire protection system of the dwelling unit.
Thereafter, the design can be implemented in accordance, at a
minimum, with installation guidelines set forth in NFPA Standard
13R (2002).
[0032] Applicant has verified that the hydraulic demand design
criteria of a wet pipe residential fire sprinkler system are
applicable to a dry pipe system by tests based on guidelines set
forth by NFPA Standards 13, 13D, 13R (2002) and UL Standard 1626
(October 2003). Based on testing in accordance with these
guidelines, it has been discovered that residential fire sprinklers
can deliver the required density set forth by NFPA Standards 13,
13D, 13R (2002 Eds.) and UL Standard 1626 (October 2003) within the
maximum water delivery time of 15 seconds to the
Most-Hydraullically-Remote fire sprinkler, as set forth in NFPA
Standard 13 (2002), Table 11.2.3.9.1, at the required density of
0.05 gpm/sq. ft. in a dry pipe system while meeting the testing
requirements of UL Standard 1626 (October 2003).
[0033] In particular, each of the plurality of residential fire
sprinklers includes a pendant type fire sprinkler having a rated
K-factor of at least nominally 4, as shown and described in Tyco
Fire Product Datasheet TFP400 Series II Residential Pendent
Sprinklers 4.9 K-factor (April 2004) and identified by Sprinkler
Identification Number TY2234, which datasheet is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety; a sidewall residential fire
sprinkler having a rated K-factor of at least nominally 4, as shown
and described in Tyco Fire Product Datasheet TFP410 Series II LFII
Residential Horizontal Sidewall Sprinklers 4.2 K-factor (April
2004) and identified by Sprinkler Identification Number TY1334,
which datasheet is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety; and a flush-pendent residential fire sprinkler having a
rated K-factor of at least nominally 4, as shown and described in
Tyco Fire Product Datasheet TFP410 Series II LFII Residential Flush
Pendent Sprinklers 4.2 K-factor (April 2004), and identified by
Sprinkler Identification Number TY2284, which datasheet is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0034] Applicant has verified his discovery of residential fire
sprinklers for use in residential dry pipe system applications with
tests that were previously used for wet systems. For example, the
identified pendent sprinklers TY1334, TY2234, and TY2284 have
complied with requirements for a wet system as set forth by NFPA
Standards 13, 13D, 13R (2002 Eds.) and UL Standard 1626 (October
2003) for various ceiling configurations including flat, sloped and
beamed ceilings. A brief description of the test procedures that
were used to verify their discovery is provided below.
[0035] For test configurations to determine the horizontal water
distribution of existing vertically oriented residential sprinkler
(e.g., upright or pendent) and horizontally oriented residential
fire sprinklers (e.g., sidewall), UL Standard 1626 (October 2003)
requires placing a selected sprinkler over a protective area
sub-divided into four quadrants with the sprinkler placed in the
center of the quadrants. Water collection pans are placed over one
quadrant of the protective area so that each square foot of the
quadrant is covered by collector pan of one-square foot area. For
vertically oriented type sprinklers, the top of the collector pan
is 8 feet below a generally flat ceiling of the test area. For
horizontally oriented type sprinkler, the top of each collection
pan is about six feet ten inches below the ceiling. The area is
generally the product of a coverage width and length. The length L
of the quadrant is generally the one-half the coverage length and
the width W is generally one-half the coverage width. Water is
supplied to the selected sprinkler at the flow rate specified in
the installation instruction provided with the sprinkler being
tested via a one-inch internal diameter pipe with a T-fitting
having an outlet at substantially the same internal diameter as the
inlet of the selected sprinkler. The duration of the test is
twenty-minutes and at the completion of the test, the water
collected by the pan is measured to determine if the amount
deposited complies with the minimum density requirement. Additional
details of this test are shown and described in UL Standard 1626
(October 2003), which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0036] For test configurations to determine vertical water
distribution of other existing vertically oriented residential
sprinkler (e.g., upright or pendent) and horizontally oriented
residential fire sprinklers (e.g., sidewall) UL Standard 1626
(October 2003) provides for two arrangements. In the first
arrangement for vertically oriented sprinkler, the sprinkler is
placed at one-half the coverage length or width. In the second
arrangement for horizontally-oriented sprinkler, the sprinkler is
placed below the generally flat ceiling but no lower than
twenty-eight inches below the ceiling on one wall surface and at no
greater than one-half the distance of an uninterrupted surface of a
wall. Water is delivered to the sprinkler at the flow rate
specified in the installation instruction provided with the
sprinkler being tested via a one-inch internal diameter pipe. Water
collection pans of one-square foot area are placed on the floor
against the walls of the test area so that the top of the pan is
six feet, ten inches below a nominally eight feet generally flat
ceiling. The duration of the test is ten-minutes at which point the
walls within the coverage area should be wetted to within 28 inches
of the sprinkler at the specified design flow rate. Where the
coverage area is square, each wall must be wetted with at least
five percent of the sprinkler flow. Where the coverage area is
rectangular, each wall must be wetted with a proportional water
amount collected that is generally equal to 20 percent of times the
length of the wall divided by the perimeter of coverage area.
[0037] Actual fire tests can also be performed in accordance with
UL Standard 1626 (October 2003) for each type of residential fire
sprinklers. In particular, three tests arrangement can be utilized
within a room with nominally eight feet generally horizontal or
flat ceiling and simulated furniture so that the tested residential
sprinkler can limit temperatures at four different locations to
specified temperatures. In all three test arrangements, a
rectangular-shaped coverage area is provided with first and second
parallel walls whose length are longer than third and fourth walls
that extend orthogonally to each of the first and second walls. The
third and fourth walls are each provided with an entrance; one
entrance with 35 inches of width and the other entrance with 41
inches of width.
[0038] Two sprinklers to be tested are spaced apart over a first
distance to provide liquid distribution over the protected area. A
third sprinkler to be tested is disposed proximate the larger width
opening. Simulated furnitures are oriented in an orthogonal
configuration to generally surround a wood crib and one corner of
the protected area distal to the smaller opening. A first
thermocouple is located 0.25 inches above the ceiling and 10 inches
diagonally from the one corner. A second thermocouple is located in
the geometric center of the room and three inches below the
ceiling. Additional details of the test room, fire source burning
characteristics, sprinkler installation and exact parameters for
carrying out the fire tests are provided in UL Standard 1626
(October 2003).
[0039] In the first fire testing arrangement for
vertically-oriented sprinklers (e.g., pendent, upright, flush,
recessed pendent and concealed), a third thermocouple can be
located three inches below the ceiling and eight inches from a
first sprinkler located nearest the simulated furniture. The first
sprinkler is located at a distance L from a second sprinkler so
that the first sprinkler is located at one-half L from the third
wall with the smaller opening. A third sprinkler is located three
feet from the second wall and four inches from the larger
opening.
[0040] In the second fire testing arrangement for
horizontally-oriented sprinklers, first and second sprinklers are
mounted in the wall distal to the simulated furniture and spaced
apart over a distance W so that the first sprinkler is nearest the
smaller opening and located at a distance of one-half W to the
third wall having the smaller opening. The second sprinkler is
about nominally eight feet from a third sprinkler mounted on the
wall. A third thermocouple is located directly across from the
first sprinkler at a distance of one-half the width of the room, at
three inches below the ceiling and 5 feet and one-quarter inches
above the floor.
[0041] In the third fire testing arrangement for
horizontally-oriented sprinklers, the first and second sprinklers
are mounted in the wall proximal to the simulated furniture and
spaced apart over a distance W along the wall. A third thermocouple
is located in the same location as in the second testing
arrangement.
[0042] In all three fire-testing arrangements, when the fire
sources are ignited in accordance with UL Standard 1626 (October
2003), the residential fire sprinklers provide a predetermined
water flow rate within fifteen seconds of actuation of at least one
sprinkler over the coverage area to limit the maximum temperature
measured by the second and third thermocouples cannot exceed 600
degrees Fahrenheit ("degrees F"). To comply with UL Standard 1626
(October 2003), the maximum temperature measured by the third
thermocouple cannot exceed 200 degrees F. and cannot exceed more
than 130 degrees F. for any continuous duration of more than two
minutes. To comply with UL Standard 1626 (October 2003), the
maximum temperature measured by the first thermocouple cannot
exceed 500 degrees F.
[0043] As can be seen above, it has been discovered that the design
criteria in the dry residential system for the protection area A of
FIG. 1A is the same design criteria for residential fire sprinklers
in a wet residential system for the protection area A of the
residential unit R of FIG. 1A. Such discovery is believed to be
heretofore unknown and unexpected in the fire protection art. This
discovery has allowed an implementation of a method not previously
available in the art. This method provides for at least the design,
classification, approval, and implementation of dry sprinkler and
dry sprinkler system in residential dwelling unit, which
residential sprinkler and dry sprinkler system are believed to
provide the same or similar protection of a wet fire protection
system without the difficulties that may be encountered with a wet
system, e.g., leakage or unexpected expulsion of water from the
sprinklers.
[0044] Moreover, by virtue of applicant's discovery, individuals
associated with residential fire protection are now able to specify
a design protection area and determine at least the following
design parameters for the specified design protection area: (1)
which specific sprinklers are suitable for use with the same number
of sprinklers for wet or dry residential fire sprinklers; (2) the
types of ceiling consonant with the specified sprinkler; (3) the
specified coverage areas for each type of ceiling over a protection
area; (4) the flow rate and residual pressure for each specified
coverage area in each type of ceiling over a protection area; for
each of wet or dry pipe systems. And these individuals are now able
to obtain the parameters identified above in a suitable
communication medium that would facilitate the design process for
these individuals. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the
communication media can be a computer with a graphical user
interface.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a user can load a program into
a communication medium (e.g., a computer 200) that embodies
appropriate computational engines such as, for example, the
determination of the, and a database of operational characteristics
of residential fire sprinklers. The computer 200 would receive
appropriate operational parameters of an area to be protected for a
residential application and would provide appropriate selections
(via dialogs 202, 204, 206, 208 or a menu) of residential fire
sprinklers suitable for at least a dry pipe system of such
residential application. By way of example, the user can select
from a menu or provide arbitrary values of an actual protection
area and various parameters of such area (e.g., obstructions or
ceiling offset) in a dialog type entry; select the type of
sprinkler (e.g., upright, pendent, sidewall, or flush pendent,
flush sidewall); select the appropriate nominal rated K-factor; and
select either or both wet and dry pipe systems. Once the
appropriate parameters have been entered into the computer, the
computational engines programmed into the computer are then used to
provide the user with a choice of residential fire sprinklers
appropriate for such design, such as, for example, the
identification of appropriate sprinklers, the number of sprinklers
necessary for both wet or dry pipe system.
[0046] The user can obtain graphical tabulations of design
parameters for both wet and dry pipe residential systems in a
different communication medium. In a paper medium, the design
parameters can be tabulated as appropriate for the type of design
protection area based on any suitable lead criterion. The lead
criterion is chosen to be the type of ceiling. Based on this lead
criterion, the design parameters are then provided to the user in
the form of maximum coverage area; maximum spacing between
sprinklers; spacing between deflector of sprinkler to ceiling; and
flow rate with residual pressure required for these design
parameters. As another example, the lead criterion can be the type
of sprinkler (e.g., upright, pendent, sidewall) so that the
appropriate tabulation of design parameters consonant with the lead
criterion can be provided. Hence, the lead criterion can be
selected from any of the design parameters and the appropriate
design parameters consonant with the lead criterion can be
tabulated and provided in a suitable communication medium. Although
one electronic communication medium has been described, other
communication mediums are also suitable, such as, for example, a
voice prompt wireless communication medium (e.g., cellular
telephone) or voice prompt toll-free wire communication (e.g., land
line telephone). Alternatively, the communication medium could be
paper.
[0047] Regardless of the particularity of the communication medium,
the medium would preferably include an identification of fire
protection information, such as, for example, (1) at least one type
of fire sprinkler for each of the plurality of protected areas; (2)
a plurality of areas to be protected in the dwelling unit, each of
the plurality of design protection areas having a dimension of X by
Y, wherein X is any value from 10 feet to 20 feet and Y is any
value from 10 feet to 24 feet; and (3) a plurality of minimum flow
rates and residual pressures for a respective plurality of areas.
The communication medium would also include a description of wet
and dry pipe residential fire sprinkler networks that directs a
user to design a residential fire protection system with the same
number of the at least one residential fire sprinkler in one of wet
or dry pipe system in a dwelling unit based on the identification
of fire protection information such as, for example, a calculation
to determine the quantity of residential fire sprinklers.
[0048] The identification of fire protection information can also
include information of protection areas in relation to at least one
of the following: (a) type of ceiling over the design protection
area such as, for example, generally flat, sloped, or beamed
ceiling; (b) spacing between any two of the at least one type of
residential fire sprinklers; (c) rated K-factor of the at least one
type of fire sprinkler such as a nominal rated K-factor of 4 or 5;
(d) minimum flow rate per sprinkler such as, for example, a
plurality of flow rates for a pendent type residential sprinkler
with a rated K-factor of 4.9 when coupled to at least one dry pipe
of the network of pipes in one of the plurality of design
protection areas having a variety of ceiling configurations.
[0049] The description provided above can be used to design a
residential fire protection system. Referring to FIG. 2, an example
of such residential fire protection system is illustrated in
schematic form. In particular, the liquid supply source 10 is in
fluid communication with the supply control valve 20 via the riser
18. A drain line 16, with a test port fitting 16a, can be coupled
in fluid communication with the main pipe 22 with a normally-closed
drain valve 19 to drain 19a. The supply control valve 20 is in
fluid communication via main pipe 22 with an inlet 30a of the
control valve 30 (e.g., an electromagnetically or solenoid actuated
valve). Downstream of the control valve 30, a main pipe 23 and a
gas pipe 26 is in fluid communication with an outlet 30b of the
control valve 30. Preferably, the inlet 30a and outlet 30b has an
opening with a nominal internal diameter less than two inches. The
gas pipe 26 is in fluid communication with a pressurized gas source
28. A check valve 28a can be provided proximate the gas source 28
to prevent influx of liquid into the gas source 28. A relief valve
28b can also be provided downstream of the gas source 28 to prevent
overpressurization of the gas pipe 26. A sensor 27 can be used to
detect a change in gas pressure in the branch lines of the piping
network. The sensor 27 can be set to one of various threshold
pressures, at which threshold value will cause the sensor 27 to
provide an output signal 2. The sensor 27 can be configured to
provide a signal 2 to a releasing control panel RCP, which
determines when to actuate the control valve 30 via signal line 3.
A fire detection device 29 that detects the occurrence of smoke,
heat or flame 102 (to indicate the occurrence of a fire) is coupled
to the releasing control panel via signal line 4. The fire
detection device 29 is preferably located such that the device 29
is capable of detecting the fire 102 prior to the actuation of any
of the residential fire sprinkler by the fire 102. An alarm 38 is
coupled to the RCP via signal line 3. The RCP can be coupled to a
remote monitoring station via signal lines 5 or through a suitable
communication interface such as, for example, telephone, wireless
digital communication or via an internet connection. The RCP can be
used to actuate an alarm device 38 or the control valve 20 based on
a combination of either the signal 2 from the pressure switch
sensor 27 or a fire detection device 29 via signal 4.
Alternatively, the RCP can actuate the alarm device 38 and the
control valve 20 based on both signals from the sensor 27 and
device 29 or one of the signals from the sensor 27 or device 29. A
drain 32 with a normally-closed drain valve 34 can also be coupled
for fluid communication with the gas pipe 26. Optionally, a control
valve 36 can be provided downstream of the gas pipe 26.
[0050] In operation of the preferred embodiment, the supply control
valve 20 is placed in a closed position to prevent a flow of liquid
to the main pipe 22. Due to its configuration as a normally closed
valve, i.e., a valve that occludes flow in the absence of any
actuation signal, the control valve 30 occludes water from flowing
through the valve 30 to the pipe 23. Gas, on the other hand, is
permitted to flow from the gas supply 28 through line 26, main pipe
23, branch lines 22a, and the body of each unactuated residential
fire sprinklers. Once a predetermined gas pressure (e.g., 28-34
psig) is reached as indicated by gauge 24, the supply control valve
20 is opened, thereby allowing liquid to flow into the inlet 30a of
the control valve 30 but not to main line 23. At this point, the
system 100 is in a standby mode because the system 100 is now
filled with pressurized gas while liquid is prevented from entering
the main line 23.
[0051] When gas pressure in the network of pipes is reduced below a
threshold value due to fault in the system such as, for example,
leaks in the valve, piping or defective fire sprinklers, the system
is configured, i.e., "interlocked" to prevent the flow of liquid
through the network of pipes, which could cause damage to the
compartments of the residential dwelling unit. In particular, the
reduction in the gas pressure is detected by sensor 27 and provided
to the RCP in the absence of any detection by the fire detection
device 29 of a fire. In such case, the control valve 30 is
interlocked by a single device (e.g., fire detector 29), i.e., a
"single interlock" to prevent the flow of liquid through the
network of pipes. Alternatively, the control valve 30 is
interlocked by two devices (e.g., fire detector 29 and sensor 27),
i.e., a "double-interlock" to prevent the flow of liquid through
the network of pipes. In a preferred embodiment, the RCP can be
configured or programmed to sound a fault-indication signal with
alarm 38 or to provide a signal to the remote monitoring station
via signal lines 5 when one or both of the sensor 27 and device 29
are activated.
[0052] On the other hand, where the gas pressure in the network of
pipes is not below a threshold value to indicate the actuation of a
residential fire sprinkler but there is detection of a fire 102 by
the fire detection device 29, the RCP can actuate the control valve
30 to provide liquid to the residential fire sprinklers prior to
the actuation of any of the sprinklers, i.e., a "pre-action" of the
sprinklers. Preferably, the RCP can pre-actuate the system 100
while also providing an indication of a fire 102 through alarm
device 38 or to a remote monitoring station.
[0053] Alternatively, where both signals from the pressure sensor
27 and the fire detector 29 are provided to the RCP, the RCP can
immediately actuate (i.e., "pre-actuate") the control valve 30
prior to actuation of any of the residential fire sprinklers. Yet
in a further alternative, the RCP can delay the actuation of
control valve until either or both the sensor 27 and device 29 are
activated with supervisory control from a monitoring station via
signal lines 5.
[0054] Once the control valve 30 is opened, gas can be expelled
(via either through relief valve 28b or through an actuated
residential fire sprinkler) and liquid flows through the main line
23, branch lines 22a, 22b so as to prefill the body residential
fire sprinklers with fire-fighting liquid prior to their actuation.
Once actuated, the residential fire sprinkler distributes the
liquid in a predetermined density over an area to protected from a
fire in a compartment of a residential dwelling unit within a
predetermined time period elapsing from the actuation of the
residential fire sprinkler.
[0055] As installed, suitable residential fire sprinklers described
and shown herein can be coupled to a dry piping network, which are
supplied with a fire-fighting liquid, e.g., a water supply, after
the sprinkler is activated. Preferred embodiments include
residential fire sprinklers that are suitable for use such as, for
example, with a dry pipe system (e.g. that is the entire system is
exposed to freezing temperatures in an unheated portion of a
building) or a wet pipe system (e.g. the sprinkler extends into an
unheated portion of a building).
[0056] While the present invention has been disclosed with
reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications,
alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible
without departing from the sphere and scope of the present
invention, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is
intended that the present invention not be limited to the described
embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language
of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.
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